Nitrogen solutions for geothermal plants

The use of nitrogen for geothermal plants.

In geothermal and geothermal heat plants, it is important that the pressure in the system remains constant and stable. Nitrogen is often used for this purpose because this inert gas minimizes the risk of unwanted reactions, thus contributing to the safety and reliability of your installation.

Presscon supports geothermal companies with innovative nitrogen solutions that improve operational continuity and reduce maintenance costs. Our expertise helps optimally manage pressure systems, allowing your geothermal plant to run more efficiently and safely.

Whether for existing plants or new projects, our solutions are tailored to the specific challenges of the geothermal industry.

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How does nitrogen work in a geothermal plant?

In geothermal plants, water is the main energy carrier. To ensure the efficiency and lifetime of the plant, this water must remain clean and free of oxygen. Nitrogen plays a crucial role here.

During the start-up of a geothermal heat source, nitrogen is injected, for example at the top of the source or in the degassing tank. Filling the system with nitrogen prevents contact with oxygen. This prevents corrosion of steel source pipes and fittings, keeping the system more reliable and safe.

In addition, nitrogen can be used to flush pipes and inertize the entire system. This reduces the risk of oxidation and deposits, improves operational safety and contributes to a longer life of the geothermal plant.

Why nitrogen is essential within geothermal energy

Nitrogen plays an essential role in geothermal plants and geothermal heat projects. As an inert gas, it offers several advantages that contribute to plant safety, efficiency and longevity.

Prevents corrosion

Nitrogen keeps oxygen out of the system, preventing oxidation of steel piping, well pipes and fittings. This extends the life of the system and reduces maintenance costs.

Ensures stable pressure

In geothermal plants, constant pressure is critical for safe and efficient operation. By using nitrogen, pressure can be maintained at the correct level without chemical admixtures or complex systems.On-site generation supports the high pressures (15-20 bar or more) required for thick stainless steel and aluminum, ensuring full penetration and clean kerf extraction.

Supports pipeline and system flushing

Nitrogen can be used to flush pipes and expel air or other gases from the system. This reduces the risk of clogging, corrosion or oxidation.

Increases operational safety

An inert nitrogen environment minimizes risks of unwanted chemical reactions or gas formation. This contributes to a safer working environment and more reliable operations.

Improved plant efficiency

By keeping water and pipes clean and oxygen-free, the system functions more efficiently. This means higher heat transfer and more stable energy production.

Flexibly deployable

Nitrogen solutions are suitable both for new geothermal installations and for existing systems being upgraded or maintained.

Applications of nitrogen in geothermal plants

Nitrogen is a versatile inert gas with numerous applications in geothermal plants. By keeping oxygen out of systems, nitrogen can prevent oxidation and other unwanted chemical reactions. This protects buffer tanks, piping systems, machinery and other components, contributing to the safety, reliability and life of your plant.

Oxidation prevention in degassing tanks

During startup and operation of geothermal plants, degassing tanks are often used to condition water. Nitrogen can be injected to make these tanks inert. This prevents oxygen from coming in contact with steel surfaces and fittings, preventing rust and corrosion. This keeps degassing tanks functioning optimally and significantly extends their service life.

Protection of primary and secondary piping systems

Pipes in geothermal systems are never completely diffusion sealed; oxygen can enter slowly. Nitrogen can be used to inertize pipes and degas water, preventing corrosion and oxidation in both primary and secondary systems. This increases the reliability of the piping network and reduces the likelihood of malfunctions or leaks.

Sealing of pneumatic valves

Pneumatic valves can be exposed to air and moisture, leading to wear and oxidation. By using nitrogen in sealing and maintenance, a protective inert layer is created, keeping valves functioning reliably longer and reducing failures.

Flushing and cleaning of pipes and filters

Nitrogen can also be used to flush and clean pipes and filters. By using inert gas, contaminants and air bubbles can be effectively removed, keeping the system clean and maintaining heat transfer efficiency. This prevents accumulation of residues and shortens maintenance intervals.

Protection of blow-down tanks from oxygen

Blow-down tanks are an important part of geothermal systems and must be protected from oxidation. Inerting these tanks with nitrogen prevents rusting and chemical reactions with oxygen, increasing operational safety and prolonging tank life.

Protecting buffer tanks with nitrogen

Buffer tanks are an essential part of geothermal heating systems and heat storage in horticulture. Introducing nitrogen seals the tank from oxygen, preventing rusting and oxidation. Pressure control allows you to accurately monitor nitrogen pressure and water level, preventing overpressure or vacuum and preventing implosion or explosion of the tank.

Benefits of nitrogen in geothermal energy

Protection against oxidation in degassing tanks, buffer tanks and blow-down tanks
Prevents corrosion in primary and secondary piping systems
Increases the reliability of pneumatic valves and machines
Efficient flushing and cleaning of pipes and filters
Extending the lifetime of the entire geothermal system
Reduction of maintenance costs and risk of failure

Custom nitrogen solutions for geothermal projects

With over 30 years of experience in nitrogen systems and multiple patents to our name, Presscon is the sparring partner for companies in the geothermal industry. Whether it’s a new project or an existing installation, we always advise, design and implement the solution that perfectly fits your unique situation.

Our focus on customization means that you never get a standard solution, but a system that truly fits your operational processes, budget and long-term goals. This ensures you have a reliable, efficient and safe geothermal system.

Sustainable nitrogen solutions for geothermal heat

Our systems are designed for energy efficiency so that your plant operates optimally with the lowest possible energy consumption. Through the use of high-quality materials and thoughtful design, our nitrogen systems have a long life, minimizing maintenance and replacement.

All of our nitrogen generators are produced in the Netherlands, which not only guarantees quality and reliability, but also reduces transportation-related carbon emissions. By producing locally and delivering customized solutions, our solutions contribute to a lower environmental impact and a more sustainable operation of your geothermal project.

Sustainability at Presscon means not only working in an environmentally friendly way, but also creating stable, efficient and future-proof nitrogen solutions that keep your geothermal plant running safely and reliably, today and tomorrow

Presscon: your partner in nitrogen for geothermal energy

At Presscon, we understand that every geothermal installation is unique. That’s why we provide custom installations that are completely tailored to your company’s needs and the design of your geothermal project. Our nitrogen solutions provide optimal inerting, pressure control and protection of buffer tanks, piping systems and other critical components.

Whether it is a small geothermal system or a large geothermal project, Presscon provides the right solution. Our systems are designed and manufactured in-house, ensuring full customization, high quality and optimum reliability. With over 30 years of experience in nitrogen solutions for various industries, we are the specialist for companies in the geothermal sector.

Want to know how a Presscon nitrogen installation can make your geothermal plant safer, more sustainable and more efficient? Contact one of our specialists for tailored advice

Why choose Presscon?

Questions about nitrogen solutions in geothermal energy

Presscon specializes in the design, construction and maintenance of nitrogen expansion systems, fire prevention systems and innovative solutions using compressed air and nitrogen. Want to know more? Contact Presscon for more information.

Frequently asked questions about nitrogen in geothermal energy

Why is nitrogen better than air in geothermal plants?

Nitrogen is an inert gas and does not enter into chemical reactions with materials in a geothermal plant. Unlike air, nitrogen does not contain oxygen, which prevents oxidation and corrosion of pipes, tanks and fittings. Air always contains oxygen and moisture, which accelerates rusting and wear. Applying nitrogen keeps the system clean, safe and reliable, resulting in a longer service life and lower maintenance costs.

Can nitrogen also be used in existing plants?

Yes, nitrogen solutions are perfectly applicable in existing geothermal systems. Nitrogen can be used in upgrades, maintenance work or optimization of the system, for example for inerting tanks, degassing pipes or pressure control. Presscon always takes a customer-specific look at the current installation and delivers a solution that is easy to integrate without major modifications to the existing system.

How energy efficient is a nitrogen generator for geothermal?

Modern nitrogen generators are highly energy-efficient and designed for continuous and reliable operation. Compared to feeding nitrogen bottles or

bulk nitrogen, an on-site nitrogen generator offers significantly reduced energy and cost consumption. By generating nitrogen only when needed, energy waste is avoided and operational costs remain low. This makes nitrogen generation a sustainable choice for geothermal plants.

What is the service life of a nitrogen plant?

Modern nitrogen generators are highly energy-efficient and designed for continuous and reliable operation. Compared to feeding nitrogen bottles or

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